The Supreme Court's recent decision to curtail the regulatory power of federal agencies has ignited a new front in the ongoing battle between business interests and worker protections. At the heart of this conflict is the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), a cornerstone of workplace safety since its inception in 1970.

For decades, OSHA has been instrumental in safeguarding workers from hazardous conditions, reducing injuries, and saving lives. Its authority to set and enforce safety standards has been a bulwark against corporate negligence. However, a growing coalition of businesses and conservative groups is challenging this authority, arguing that it represents an unconstitutional delegation of legislative power.

The case against OSHA hinges on the "non-delegation doctrine," a constitutional principle that prohibits Congress from granting excessive lawmaking authority to executive agencies. While this doctrine has been largely dormant for decades, the current Supreme Court's conservative majority has shown a willingness to revive it, potentially leading to a significant rollback of regulatory power.

If the court sides with the challengers, the implications for worker safety could be catastrophic. OSHA's ability to set essential safety standards would be severely curtailed, leaving workers vulnerable to a patchwork of state regulations and potentially lax enforcement. This could result in a surge in workplace injuries and fatalities.

Moreover, a victory for the challengers would set a dangerous precedent, empowering industries to challenge other vital regulations that protect public health, the environment, and consumer safety. The erosion of agency authority would undermine the government's ability to address complex and evolving challenges.

To prevent such a disastrous outcome, Congress must act swiftly to clarify and strengthen the legal basis for OSHA's authority. Lawmakers should explicitly define the agency's mission and powers, providing clear guidelines for rulemaking while preserving its flexibility to adapt to emerging hazards.

Additionally, the Biden administration should vigorously defend OSHA's role in protecting workers. The Department of Labor must provide compelling evidence of the agency's effectiveness in reducing workplace injuries and saving lives. Public opinion can also play a crucial role, with workers, labor unions, and safety advocates mobilizing to support OSHA and oppose efforts to weaken it.

The stakes in this case are immense. The outcome will determine whether millions of American workers continue to enjoy the protections afforded by OSHA or whether they are left at the mercy of corporate greed and indifference.